Peter Bridges discussed his book on writer, editor and diplomat Donn Piatt. Born in 1819 in Cincinnati, Donn Piatt died in 1891 at the Piatt Castles that still stand in western Ohio. He was a diplomat, historian, journalist, judge, lawyer, legislator, lobbyist, novelist, playwright, poet, politician and well-known humorist, once called on to replace Mark Twain when Twain's humor failed him.

Speaker Biography: Author Peter Bridges presents the life of an American who in his day was both famous and influential, and, through Piatt, sheds light on much of the corruption and injustice of the Gilded Age. Bridges is a retired Foreign Service officer. His book "Safirka: An American Envoy" relates his experiences as American ambassador to Somalia. "Pen of Fire: John Moncure Daniel, 1825-1865" is Bridges' biography of the most influential Confederate editor during the Civil War. Bridges has published more than 70 articles and essays that deal mainly with history and foreign affairs.